The Roosters will be looking to cement their spot in the top 4 when they take on the Dogs in Sunday afternoon footy.

Oddschecker

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Fri, 19 May, 8:35 AM

The Roosters will be looking to cement their spot in the top 4 when they take on the Dogs in Sunday afternoon footy.

Sydney Roosters thoroughly disposed of the Eels last week in scoring one of the biggest wins of the season, 48-10. Their energy levels, enthusiasm and clinical finishing were on display for the entire competition to see.

On the flip side, Canterbury were flat, boring and unimaginative as they were beaten easily by a Cowboys side missing Johnathan Thurston, 30-14.

DEFENCE WINS GAMES

Although most of the attention when it comes to the Roosters is on their attack, anchored by Mitchell Pearce and Luke Keary, it’s actually been the defence that has gone relative unnoticed.

Coming into Round 11 the Roosters are leaking just 15.2ppg which is second best in the NRL behind the defending premiers Cronulla.

When it comes to the attack, their reputation has actually been a bit of illusion. Prior to last week’s 48 points, they had gone 13, 13, 24 and 8 the previous month.

WORST IN THE COMPETITION

That isn’t something you would normally say about a Des Hasler coached side but when it comes to scoring points, CANTERBURY are exactly that.

Their 15.2ppg is the equal lowest in the competition along with the Wests Tigers but they’ve still managed to win five of their 10 games so far.

Defence is what has helped the Bulldogs get the verdict over their rivals so far. Four of their five wins have been by 12 points or less with the only exception being against Souths when they saluted by 15 points.

The team’s woes were accentuated last week when they rarely troubled the Cowboys who aren’t one of the better defensive outfits in the game. Missing Josh Reynolds also didn’t help matters and they will be without him for several more weeks.

THE HISTORY

This bitter rivalry has been dominated by the tricolours since 2013.

Roosters fans have won the money in seven of their past 10 clashes including earlier this season when they ran out four-point winners.

ANZ Stadium hasn’t seemed to worry Trent Robinson’s side either as they have taken the points in three of their past four visits to the venue when playing the Dogs.

THE VERDICT

Everything points to a SYDNEY ROOSTERS win. The price ($1.50 @ TopBetta) is a bit short but seems to be spot considering what we have seen from both sides so far in season 2017.

The biggest issue for the Bulldogs will be how they find enough points to beat the Roosters. With their attack struggling as it is, going up against one of the best defensive outfits in the competition will definitely make points hard to come by.

We have found some value when it comes to Tryscorers with Daniel Tupou (eight tries in six matches v the Bulldogs) and Latrell Mitchell (three in three v the Dogs). Back them both in the 1st Tryscorer market ($10 & $12 respectively) as it’s likely the Roosters will cross the line first with the Dogs scoring the first four-pointer just twice so far this season.